During adolescence, individuals are expected to adopt adult-like behaviors and responsibilities, with cultural variations influencing this transition. In Western cultures, emphasis is placed on personal independence and separation from parents, while non-Western cultures often favor interdependence within the family. Common experiences during this period include role confusion and identity crises, as adolescents navigate the conflicting expectations of adulthood while still seeking comfort in child-like behaviors. This section outlines key characteristics of adolescent self-perception, including abstract self-descriptions, contradictions in self-identity, fluctuating self-awareness, and the distinction between ideal and real selves. Understanding these dynamics is essential for recognizing that these feelings are a normal part of development.